Fitchburg man who slashed social worker gets 3 years

Monday

May 5, 2014 at 10:42 PM

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WORCESTER — A Fitchburg man who pleaded guilty to slashing a Community Healthlink driver's face with a box cutter last year was sentenced Monday to 3 years in jail, including the roughly 9 months he has already served awaiting trial, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.'s office.

Keyon Johnston, 31, of 49 Fox St., Apt. 1, Fitchburg, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, but the plea deal didn't specify the sentence, which was imposed by Judge James Lemire.

Authorities said Mr. Johnston slashed the face of Community Healthlink employee Scott Smith on Aug. 14 while Mr. Smith was driving him home after taking him on appointments and to run errands.

Mr. Johnston allegedly told a nurse later that he was angry at Mr. Smith for not following through on what Mr. Johnston said was a promise to bring him Nicorette gum.

Assistant District Attorney Michael McHugh sought a sentence of 4 to 5 years, while Mr. Johnston's lawyers recommended a year to a year and a half, according to the district attorney's office.